Funding to transform Johnshaven lifeboat shed

Johnshaven lifeboat shed is set to undergo a transformation after funding was awarded to the project to create a community run space in the village.

Benholm and Johnshaven heritage society received funding of £55,900 from the Aberdeenshire European Fisheries Fund and and £59,100 from the heritage Fund Lottery Scotland.

The money will be used to transform Johnshaven lifeboat shed, which has been largely unused since the lifeboat station closed in 1920, into a community run space.

The shed will be used for events, activities, workshops, exhibitions and temporary displays. The Heritage society will will showcase the collection gifted by village residents, which reflects the history of the area, in particular the fishing and farming links.

Donn Marr, vice-chair of the Benholm and Johnshaven Heritage Society, welcomed the news and praised the work of the local community.

He said: “We are immensely proud of our village and the hard work volunteers have put into raising these funds to make the heritage hub a success. We have a huge challenge ahead and we hope all the residents of Benholm, Johnshaven and the surrounding area will want to play their part in regenerating the lifeboat shed for the benefit of the wider area.

‘‘We have a big story to tell about our community, its history, and it’s future.

‘‘We hope to involve everyone from the age of 2 to 102!

‘‘We expect to be up and running in August 2013, and look forward to welcoming locals and tourists alike to share our interest in all aspects of the village’s heritage.”